What is it about the patio that makes it such an attractive option for a remodel or renovation?  Well, for one thing, it is that one place about our home that could be considered our sanctuary.  Great patio cover designs keep this in mind as they are built for the homeowners interests and needs in mind.  So, what would you like your covered patio to look like?

For some, they envision a patio space that is like a lush, tropical theme, complete with fountains growing vines, teak patio furniture and other accessories reminiscent of a tropical escape.  This type of design is not as feasible in an area where the climate is not conducive to such plants and landscape features.  One place that comes to mind is the desert southwest.  While the covered patio is a coveted respite for shade and lounging enjoyment, the types of designs are a bit different.

The covered patio designs in these areas often include features like patio misting systems that can provide a significant drop in temperature of the surrounding space.  Depending on what manufacturer you are reading, their products can drop the temperature of your patio by as much as 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is nothing to scoff at, especially when temperatures can reach well into the triple digits most summer days.

Other things to consider with patio covers are the roof designs.  There are both open and closed varieties.  The open ones are more commonly a lattice style.  The stringers can be anywhere from 6-8” apart and can provide you with some great shade.  If your design calls for some softening of the structure, provided by some vines or overhead greenery, then you’ll enjoy even more shade and possibly some fragrance as well if yours are a flowering species.

Typically, patio covers like pergolas and other deck designs are constructed of wood.  Wood makes for ease of construction and a nice handsome look.  Most popular styles use cedar and redwood.  These woods weather the elements well and can provide you a longer life-span for your patio structure.  It is a good idea to seal or stain them to prevent some damage from the elements as well.  You will likely need to maintain them each year to keep them in tip-top shape.  Because of this maintenance issue, some people choose engineered products or metals to use for their patios.  This helps to minimize the maintenance factors associate with real wood.  Great patio cover designs take all these things into consideration.  Don’t worry if you are planning on moving soon, patio covers are something good to plan for when you plan to move into a new home.